Fire at Newton: Between three and four o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, when the town was very full of farmers and market people a scare arose by the report of a fire, which it was said was raging in the direction of Highweek. The Highweek Fire Brigade, having been summoned, ran up the hand reel to the scene. It was discovered that an outhouse at the rear of Mrs. Bearne’s 15, Highweek Street, was alight. The Brigade tackled the fire very smartly, under the direction of Supt. Murrin and Lieut. Wotton. They took the hose down a lane close by the brewery of Messrs. Pinsent and Co. and there being a copious supply of water from the main, a strong jet was soon turned upon the burning building. The content of the outhouse consisted mainly of straw, etc., which being very dry was soon ablaze, the flames having spread to the roof, where they had a firm hold. The firemen, however, soon had the outbreak under, and in ten minutes all danger was passed. But for the prompt discovery and rapid extinction of the fire, a great loss of property must have been occasioned, as the store is situated adjacent to a row of cottages and in the midst a good deal of valuable property, including the premises of the Newton Brewery Co., and some extensive stabling of the Commercial Inn. At rough estimate the damage may be estimated at £50, including the value of the forage stored there. Three fouls were roasted alive. How the fire originated is not known. It was discovered by Samuel Bibbings while was in the act delivering goods in the yard of the Commercial Inn. The property is insured.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901
GRO0911 Devonport: William Swain Pinsent: 1843 – 1920